Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to raise the importance of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition. It is coming up in January. Schools from throughout the country and which are in the localities of Senators are entering the competition. I sit on the Joint Committee on Education and Skills. I note that science, technology, engineering and maths, STEM, subjects, including physics, maths and biology, are subjects upon which an awful lot of importance is placed. It is important for all of us to support our local schools and competitors entering the exhibition. From my experience I know of many exhibitors who have had national success arising from their projects over many years. It is very important for us to encourage our students to participate and to take notice that so many of them qualified. We must lend our support to these very important projects. It is all about highlighting the importance of science and encouraging students to further their careers.